U.S. patent application number 13/459257 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-01 for platform-independent international gaming framework.
Invention is credited to Peter Ajlouny, Nichola Eliovits.
Application Number | 20120277003 13/459257 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47068301 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120277003 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eliovits; Nichola ; et
al. |
November 1, 2012 |
PLATFORM-INDEPENDENT INTERNATIONAL GAMING FRAMEWORK
Abstract
A system for providing a platform-independent international
gaming framework and a cross-language communication tool includes a
localization module to localize a game experience within a
multiplayer game environment, a communication module to translate
communications of the plurality of users into a language associated
with a client device and/or social network settings, and an
interface for the platform-independent international gaming
framework. The localization may be based on geographical locations,
default language of the client device and/or social network
profile, demographics, and personal information of the users. The
localization may also include automatically loading one or more
specific elements based on the localization criteria. In some
example embodiments, the user may be enabled to create a virtual
gaming venue based on predetermined criteria, which may be
localized by the gaming framework based on user-related information
and information associated with the location of the user.
Inventors: |
Eliovits; Nichola; (San
Jose, CA) ; Ajlouny; Peter; (San Jose, CA) |
Family ID: |
47068301 |
Appl. No.: |
13/459257 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61480299 |
Apr 28, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/87 20140902;
A63F 2300/572 20130101; A63F 2300/5573 20130101; A63F 13/79
20140902; A63F 2300/558 20130101; A63F 2300/575 20130101; A63F
2300/552 20130101; A63F 2300/556 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/12 20060101
A63F013/12 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method for providing a
platform-independent international gaming framework, the method
comprising: localizing a game experience of a user within a
multiplayer game environment with a plurality of international
users, the localizing based on predetermined localization criteria
associated with the user; and translating communications between
the plurality of international users.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
predetermined localization criteria include one or more of the
following: a geographical location, demographics, personal
information, a client device language, a selected virtual gaming
venue, and a social network profile language.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the
localization includes automatically or on click by a user loading
one or more specific elements of a multiplayer game based on the
predetermined localization criteria.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, further comprising
enabling the user to change a language associated with the
multiplayer game.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising
providing, via a client device associated with the user, an
interface for the platform-independent international gaming
framework.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein the
translation of communications occurs within a chat box associated
with the interface.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, further comprising
enabling the user to toggle on and off an automatic
translation.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein a source
language of the translation is indicated.
9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the client
device is running one or more of the following operating systems:
Windows, Unix, Mac OS, iOS, Android OS, Windows Phone, Symbian OS,
Windows Mobile, Palm webOS, bada, MeeGo, Maemo, Limo, and Brew
OS.
10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
translating communications between the plurality of international
users selectively comprises translating a text in response to
receiving a request for a translation.
11. A system for providing a platform-independent international
gaming framework, the system comprising: a localization module to
localize, based on predetermined criteria associated with a user, a
game experience of the user within a multiplayer game environment
with a plurality of international users; and a communication module
to automatically translate communications of the plurality of users
into a language associated with the user.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the localization is based on
one or more of the following localization criteria: a geographical
location of a client device, demographics associated with the user,
personal information associated with the user associated with the
client device, and a language associated with the client device or
a social network profile.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the localization is further
configured to automatically load one or more specific elements
based on the localization criteria.
14. The system of claim 12, further comprising a customization
module to enable the user to change the language.
15. The system of claim 12, further comprising an interface for the
platform-independent international gaming framework.
16. The system of claim 12, further comprising a translation module
to translate communications within a chat box associated with the
interface.
17. The system of claim 12, wherein a customization module is
further configured to enable the user to toggle on and off the
automatic translation.
18. The system of claim 12, wherein a source language of the
translation is indicated.
19. The system of claim 11, wherein a client device is running one
or more of the following operating systems: Windows, Unix, Mac OS,
iOS, Android OS, Windows Phone, Symbian OS, Windows Mobile, Palm
webOS, bada, MeeGo, Maemo, Limo, and Brew OS.
20. A machine-readable medium comprising instructions, which when
implemented by one or more processors, perform the following
operations: localize a game experience of a user within a
multiplayer game environment with a plurality of international
users based on predetermined user settings; and translate
communications of the plurality of users into a language associated
with the user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/480,299,
entitled "Platform-Independent International Gaming Framework and a
Cross-Language Communication Tool," filed on Apr. 28, 2011, which
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] This application relates to data processing and, more
specifically, to a platform-independent framework for playing games
online across multiple languages.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Online multiplayer games have become a very popular pastime
as they can be played over a computer network. The expansion of
online gaming has reflected the overall expansion of computer
networks from small local networks to worldwide networks such as
the Internet. Online games can range from simple text based games
to games of cards incorporating complex graphics and virtual worlds
populated by many players simultaneously. Many online games have
associated online communities, making online games a form of social
activity beyond single player games. However, because of cultural
and language differences, these online game communities are
typically limited to a specific geographical region or to speakers
of a specific language.
[0004] Online multiplayer games may feature virtual currency to
play games and purchase virtual goods and services within online
communities or online games. The virtual goods may include, for
example, digital gifts and digital clothing for avatars. Virtual
goods may be sold by companies that operate social networks,
community sites, or online games. These goods typically reflect
values of the game creators and do not take into account cultural
diversity of players despite the fact that players may hail from
any geographical region or culture.
[0005] Additionally, a multiplayer online game may feature a chat
functionality such as direct one-on-one chat or text-based group
chat. Being able to communicate with other players may be highly
important for the overall experience of the game. However, the chat
functionality may be meaningless to players who speak different
languages.
SUMMARY
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form. These concepts are further described
below within the detailed description. This summary is not intended
to identify key or essential features, nor is it intended to be
used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
[0007] In an example, a method for providing a platform-independent
international gaming framework, also referred to herein as the
gaming framework, is provided. The method provides for localizing a
game experience of a plurality of international users based on
predetermined localization criteria associated with the users and
translating communications between the users. The predetermined
localization criteria may include a geographical location, various
demographics, personal information, a client device default
language, and a social network profile default language. Thus, for
different players playing the same game, a look and feel of the
gaming framework and the virtual goods presented may vary depending
on the above parameters.
[0008] The localization may include automatically loading one or
more specific elements of a multiplayer game based on the
predetermined localization criteria. The method may further enable
the users to change the default language associated with the
multiplayer game. The translation of communications may occur
within a chat box associated with the game interface. The
translation may be performed automatically or when the user clicks
on the text to be translated. The source language of the
translation may be indicated. The client device may be run on
various platforms such as Windows, UNIX, Mac OS, iOS, Android OS,
Windows Phone, Symbian OS, Windows Mobile, Palm webOS, bada, MeeGo,
Maemo, Limo, Brew OS, and so forth.
[0009] In some example embodiments, it may be possible for the user
to create a virtual gaming venue or game based on predetermined
criteria. The virtual gaming venue that has been created may be
automatically localized by the gaming framework based on
user-related information and information associated with the
location of the user.
[0010] In some example embodiments, it may be possible for the user
to create a game or gaming venue based on information associated
with other users or a location of the other users.
[0011] In further examples, steps of the above method may be stored
on a machine-readable medium comprising instructions, which when
implemented by one or more processors, perform the method. In
examples, subsystems or devices can be adapted to perform the above
method. Other features, examples, and embodiments are described
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not
limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which
like references indicate similar elements and in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a network environment
within which a platform-independent international gaming framework
and a cross-language communication tool can be implemented, in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of the
platform- independent international gaming framework, in accordance
with an example embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for
platform-independent international gaming and a cross-language
communication tool, in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0016] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate pages of an online game which can be
played by a plurality of users within the platform-independent
international gaming framework, in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0017] FIGS. 7-13 illustrate settings of an online game which can
be played by a plurality of users within the platform-independent
international gaming framework, in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 14 is a process flow diagram illustrating interactions
between a social network and a platform-independent international
gaming framework, in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 15 is a block diagram, providing an overview of
functionality provided by the Lobby and Game pages of the
platform-independent international gaming framework, in accordance
with an example embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 16 discloses interactions between the Lobby Overview
page and other parts of the platform-independent international
gaming framework, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic representation of an example
machine in the form of a computer system within which a set of
instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of
the methodologies discussed herein, are executed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] In some example embodiments, systems and methods for
creating a platform-independent international gaming framework and
a cross-language communication tool are described.
[0023] The following detailed description includes references to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed
description. The drawings show illustrations, in accordance with
example embodiments. These example embodiments, which are also
referred to herein as "examples," are described in enough detail to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject
matter. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be
utilized, and structural and/or logical changes can be made without
departing from the scope of what is claimed. The following detailed
description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and
the scope is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
In this document, the terms "a" and "an" are used, as is common in
patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this
document, the term "or" is used to refer to a nonexclusive "or,"
such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B but not A," and "A
and B," unless otherwise indicated.
[0024] A cross-platform international gaming framework is provided.
The framework may allow users to play multiplayer games across the
Internet via a mobile device, specific site (e.g., Popover), or a
social networking site (e.g., Facebook). Players may use client
devices running on different platforms (e.g., iOS, Android, and
Windows Phone).
[0025] In some example embodiments, users may play against one
another and have a customized (unique/localized) gaming experience
based on location, device/profile default settings, and other
predetermined criteria. Based on the above predetermined criteria,
players may see different/localized versions of the same game.
Specifically, the language of the game may be set to the default
language of a connecting platform or social network profiles of the
users, or be reset to a language that the users choose. The
framework may automatically mirror the game based on the language
reading right to left or left to right.
[0026] In some example embodiments, the virtual goods displayed to
a user may be tailored to the user based on the user age, language,
location, and/or other predetermined criteria. For example, a user
in New York might see a virtual good such as a Pizza, while another
user in Israel might see a Falafel. Similarly, a 21 year-old Arabic
player from Bahrain may see a Silver Sports Car that resembles the
car of the King, while a 65 year-old person from the US who speaks
English may see a NYT or Newsweek periodical. Based on where the
user is logged in from, or other differentiating details that have
been obtained, the platform can be adjusted to automatically load
varying elements when the user connects to the cross-platform
international gaming framework.
[0027] Furthermore, the cross-platform international gaming
framework may feature a chat box functionality, which may
incorporate real-time chat translation and allow each of the users
who are logged in to type and receive responses in a native
language. For example, the user playing an online game of cards may
type in the chat box in French (or any other supported language),
but be seated at a table with users from Russia, Spain, and so
forth. Each user may see messages coming from the other users
auto-translated or translated when clicked on by the user into the
native language of the user. If the messages are automatically
translated, the messages may be marked to identify the original
language that the messages were composed in and inform the user who
receives the messages that the text has been translated. A user may
also be provided with the ability to toggle the auto-translate
feature on and off. If the messages are not automatically
translated, a message can appear instructing user on how to obtain
the translation.
[0028] In some example embodiments, especially when the user
invites users from other geographies to play a variation of a game
local to the geography in which the user is located, the user may
be able to send to other users a link to a page that provides rules
for the game variation in question. In the same or other
embodiments, this may be done in advance (for example, when a game
is scheduled by the user). The rules may then be translated into a
language associated with a location of the users.
[0029] In some example embodiments, whenever the user is invited to
play a variation of the game that is not recognized by the system
as being characteristic of the geography or location of the user,
the system may display a prompt or otherwise offer the user a
chance to get familiar with corresponding rule differences.
[0030] In some example embodiments, the gaming framework may
include a dynamic map to display regional variations of the game
selected by the user in relation to respective geographies. In the
same or other example embodiments, the afore-mentioned map may also
list a language (possibly in parenthesis next to the name of a game
variation) most of the players of this variation of the game are
likely to speak.
[0031] In some example embodiments, when the user hovers a cursor
over a location in the above-mentioned dynamic map, the map may
display the games and regional game variations characteristic of
the location in response. The information that is displayed may
include information on customized/localized/specifically styled
gaming venues available in the system and related to the selected
geography.
[0032] In some example embodiments, one or more audios
characteristic of a gaming venue selected by the user may be set to
play in the background as the game starts. In the same or other
embodiments, the user may be able to select from multiple audio
options and compile play lists. A special capability enabling the
user to request the approval of the play list by other players may
be incorporated.
[0033] In some example embodiments, the system may include a search
capability that allows searching for other players of the game
variation. For example, the user may be enabled to locate those
players of the game variation that have indicated game
variation-related preferences in user profiles of the players in
the system. It may also be possible to search for users associated
with a specific location or search for users speaking the specific
language.
[0034] In some example embodiments, the gaming framework may
include a custom social network.
[0035] In some example embodiments, the gaming framework may
include an email system.
[0036] In some example embodiments, the gaming framework may
include a rating system. The rating system may be able to calculate
ratings for the one or more gaming venues. The rating system may
also be able to rate all the players of the game variations or
gaming venues. The said information may be rendered available to
the user. In the same or other embodiments, the user may be able to
rate the game variations, gaming venues, and/or games.
[0037] In different example embodiments, the rating system of the
gaming framework may be able to rate the games, game variations,
gaming venues, and more based both on user ratings and on
statistical information amassed by the gaming framework.
[0038] In some example embodiments, the user may be able to
recommend the game, gaming venue, or game variation to one or more
other users. This recommendation may be performed by sending a link
to the game, game variation, or gaming venue to email accounts of
the one or more other users, or by sending the link to the game,
game variation, or gaming venue through the internal mailing system
of the gaming framework.
[0039] In some example embodiments, the gaming framework may
include a game-scheduling capability (for example, a
game-scheduling capability that is based on a subscribable game,
game variation, or gaming venue-specific calendar). For instance,
if the user wants to play a game of poker at an Australian venue,
the user may locate the venue using the search functionality of the
gaming framework, and schedule a game session. It may be possible
to indicate a variety of parameters for a game session that has
been scheduled, including the name of the game, name of the game
variation, name of the gaming venue, language of the game session,
name of the user who scheduled the game session, and so forth. The
one or more other users of the gaming framework may subscribe to a
scheduled game session and the user who scheduled the game session
may be notified that one or more other users of the gaming
framework have subscribed to the game session. Notifications
indicating the current number of subscribed users may also be sent
to the one or more other users who have subscribed to the game
session. The user who has scheduled the game session and the one or
more other users of the gaming framework who have subscribed to the
game session may be able to share the subscribable calendars with
the one or more other users of the gaming framework. For example,
it may be possible to display the subscribable calendars that have
been shared on the user profile page in the internal social network
of the system or on the user profile page in the one or more other
social networks.
[0040] Furthermore, it may be possible for the user who scheduled
the game session to cancel the game session and send corresponding
notifications to the one or more other users who have subscribed to
the game session. In the same or other embodiments, the one or more
other users may cancel a subscription to the game session and send
the corresponding notifications to the user who scheduled the game
session.
[0041] In some example embodiments, the system may support creating
custom recurrent or reproducible game sessions. Such game sessions
may be associated with/based on a specific gaming venue. The user
may be able to store a past game session, including the names of
the users who have taken part in the game session, and schedule it
to be reproduced on a specific future date. In this case, the
system may automatically notify the one or more users who took part
in the past game session about the game session having been
rescheduled for a future date. In further embodiments, it may be
possible to set the game session to be automatically rescheduled
and reproduced recurrently at specified intervals. In some example
embodiments, the gaming framework may provide an interface that
enables viewing and managing stored game sessions of the user. The
user may be allowed to modify a game session that has been
stored.
[0042] It may also be possible for the user to share the stored
game session with the one or more other users via email or the
internal mailing system.
[0043] In some example embodiments, membership-based club-type
gaming venues may be supported, wherein a membership may need to be
approved by a specifically designated user with administrative
privileges (venue administrator). The membership in the above
venues may be paid.
[0044] In some example embodiments, the user may be able to create
custom gaming venues based on prefabricated templates and/or
multiple criteria. For example, it may be possible to select a
poker template, a geography and/or location, the language the game
session will be held in, an audio background, and so forth.
Furthermore, the system may be able to automatically choose or
adjust the look and feel of a newly created gaming venue, and/or
select appropriate virtual goods for the gaming venue based on the
user- or user location-related information, or based on the
location of the gaming venue selected. In the same or further
embodiments, creating the custom gaming venue may be a paid
service.
[0045] In some example embodiments, the gaming framework may be
able to rank local game variations based on a number of users from
other geographies/locations who have chosen to play the above game
variations. For example, the local game variation may be ranked
based on a number of users from other geographies who have chosen
to repeatedly play this game variation.
[0046] In some example embodiments, the game or gaming venue may be
created by the user based on the user- or user location-related
information of other users who are invited by the user for a game
of cards. For example, if the user is interested in playing with
some specific players, the user may custom-create the game based on
information associated with the above users and the
locations/geographies of the above users, schedule the game, and
send invitations.
[0047] In some example embodiments, commercialization opportunities
may include sharing a part of the proceeds associated with paid
memberships in closed club-type or custom venues between a gaming
framework owner and venue administrator.
[0048] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a block diagram
showing a network environment 100 within which a
platform-independent international gaming framework and a
cross-language communication tool may be implemented, in accordance
with one example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the example
network environment 100 may include a network (e.g., the Internet)
110, client devices 120 and 130, a social network site 140 (e.g.,
Facebook), a dedicated gaming site 150, and users 126, 136, 146,
156, and 160. The network 110, as shown in FIG. 1, is a network of
data processing nodes interconnected for the purpose of data
communication, which may be utilized to communicatively couple
various components of the network environment 100. The network 110
may include the Internet or any other network capable of
communicating data between devices. Suitable networks may include
or interface with any one or more of, for instance, a local
intranet, a PAN (Personal Area Network), a LAN (Local Area
Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a MAN (Metropolitan Area
Network), a virtual private network (VPN), a storage area network
(SAN), a frame relay connection, an Advanced Intelligent Network
(AIN) connection, a synchronous optical network (SONET) connection,
a digital T1, T3, E1 or E3 line, Digital Data Service (DDS)
connection, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection, an Ethernet
connection, an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) line, a
dial-up port such as a V.90, V.34 or V.34bis analog modem
connection, a cable modem, an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)
connection, or an FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface) or CDDI
(Copper Distributed Data Interface) connection. Furthermore,
communications may also include links to any of a variety of
wireless networks, including WAP (Wireless Application Protocol),
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), GSM (Global System for Mobile
Communication), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) or TDMA (Time
Division Multiple Access), cellular phone networks, GPS (Global
Positioning System), CDPD (cellular digital packet data), RIM
(Research in Motion, Limited) duplex paging network, Bluetooth
radio, or an IEEE 802.11-based radio frequency network. The network
110 can further include or interface with any one or more of an
RS-202 serial connection, an IEEE-1394 (Firewire) connection, a
Fiber Channel connection, an IrDA (infrared) port, a SCSI (Small
Computer Systems Interface) connection, a USB (Universal Serial
Bus) connection or other wired or wireless, digital or analog
interface or connection, mesh or Digi.RTM. networking.
[0049] The client devices 120 and 130 may include mobile game
interfaces 122, 132 and the chat boxes 124, 134, respectively. The
social network site 140 and the dedicated gaming site 150 may
include game interfaces 142, 152 and the chat boxes 144, 154,
respectively. The international gaming framework 200 may enable
users 126, 136, to play games across the client devices 120, 130,
the social network site 140, and the dedicated gaming site 150
(which may run on various operating systems such as Mac OS,
Windows, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and so forth) against one
another. The information displayed to the users 126, 136 may be in
localized mirror languages of respective users so that each of the
users 126, 136 playing from a different locale may see different
content. For example, the user 126 in the Philippines playing on an
iPad may see virtual goods in a virtual store that are either
unique or in a unique order. In some embodiments, however, despite
the order being unique, the list of the goods users see may remain
the same across different countries. The international gaming
framework 200 may serve as a backbone interconnecting different
platforms, social networks, the Internet, mobile devices (running
operating systems such as Android or iOS), and providing one gaming
framework for a game by connecting to the same place but showing
unique content and virtual goods based on the specificity of the
device, or based on other settings associated with each particular
user 126.
[0050] In some example embodiments, the game may be localized based
on a virtual gaming venue that has been selected.
[0051] In some example embodiments, particularly when the game is
localized based on the virtual gaming venue that has been selected
and the users 126, 136 taking part in the game are from the same or
closely situated locations, the contents and look and feel of the
game displayed to the users 126, 136 may be the same or very
similar.
[0052] In some example embodiments, depending on the geography or
location that the users 126, 136 are logged in from, the users 126,
136 may be invited to select from several regional varieties of the
game that are characteristic of their geography or location. The
localization may be combined with the translation of communications
between various users 126, 136 whose default of selected language
differs.
[0053] Thus, for example, if an Arabic speaker types a message in
Arabic for somebody who is an English-speaking user, the
English-speaking user may see a translation of the original
message. In some example embodiments, depending on the geography or
location of the users 126, 136, the system may display the local
name of the game that has been selected, if any. This may be
especially useful if the users 126, 136 are about to play a game
with users 126, 136 from other geographies and speaking other
languages or regional variations of the same language.
[0054] The users 126, 136 may be able to download a game from an
application store such as, for example, the Apple or Android App
Store. Similarly, to play the game, the user 126 may go to a social
network website (e.g., Facebook), which will connect to the
international gaming framework 200. The language can be selected
from the device or default language of the social network user.
Virtual goods that are sold within the game environment may be
specifically localized. For example, the user 136 playing the game
on Facebook may buy the virtual goods from a gift shop, which has a
varying inventory of the virtual goods depending on the location
and language of the user 136. The international gaming framework
200 is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2.
[0055] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the international gaming
framework 200, in accordance with an example embodiment. As shown
in FIG. 2, the international gaming framework 200 may include a
localization module 202, a communication module 204, an interface
module 206, a customization module 208, and a translation module
210. The localization module 202 may localize, based on
predetermined criteria associated with the users 126, 136, a game
experience of the respective users within the network environment
100. The communication module 204 may translate (either
automatically or when clicked on the text by the user)
communications of the users 126, 136 into respective languages of
the users. The localization may be based on the geographical
locations of the client devices, demographics and personal
information of the users 126, 136, and a language associated with
the client devices 120 and 130 or the social network site 140. The
localization may include automatically loading one or more specific
elements based on the localization criteria. The customization
module 208 may enable the users 126, 136 to change respective
default languages of the users. The interface module 206 may be
provided as part of the games associated with the
platform-independent international gaming framework 200. The
translation module 210 may translate messages communicated via the
chat boxes 124, 134, 144, and 154 by the users 126, 136. The users
126, 136 may be able to toggle on and off the automatic
translation. The source language of the translation may be
indicated.
[0056] FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method 300
for platform-independent international gaming and a cross-language
communication tool, in accordance with one example embodiment. The
method 300 may be performed by processing logic that may comprise
hardware (e.g., dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode,
etc.), software (such as is run on a general-purpose computer
system or a dedicated machine), or a combination of both. In one
example embodiment, the processing logic resides at the
international gaming framework 200 illustrated in FIG. 2. The
method 300 may be performed by the various modules discussed above
with reference to FIG. 2. Each of these modules may comprise
processing logic.
[0057] The method 300 may commence at operation 302 with the
localization module 202 localizing a game experience of the player
within a multiplayer game environment based on the geographical
location, demographics, personal information, the language being
associated with a device, or a social network profile. At operation
304, the interface module 206 may provide the client device with an
interface. At operation 306, the localization module 202 may
automatically load one or more specific elements based on the
localization criteria. At operation 308, the customization module
208 may enable the users 126, 136 to change the default language,
and at operation 310 the translation module may translate
communications of the plurality of players into the language
associated with the client device or social network profile.
Optionally, at operation 312, the source language may be indicated
to the users 126, 136. In some example embodiments, the translation
of the communications between the users 126, 136 may be performed
automatically in real time, while in other example embodiments the
users 126, 136 may have to highlight the text that needs to be
translated and click on a button (for example, a Translate
button).
[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates a table 414 on a Game page 400 where a
game of cards is being played, in accordance with one example
embodiment. The players 412 may be located around the table 414,
and the amount of virtual currency that the players 412 have
indicated may be located next to the players 412. Virtual goods 420
that have been purchased by the players 412 may be located next to
the players 412. In the upper left of the Game page 400, a Leave
Table button 402 may be located, which may be used to revert to a
Lobby Overview page 600. The Game page 400 may have a Dealer Chat
area 416, which may log the dealer actions at the table. A Table
Chat 418, which may be located in the lower right of the page, may
be used by the players 412 for instant messaging with simultaneous
and/or on-demand translation. A Table Info area 422 of the Game
page 400 may provide information on a total amount of stakes in the
game and name of the table. A Player Info area 404 may provide
player-related information (for example, the name of the users 126,
136, a total amount of virtual currency the users 126, 136
have).
[0059] The News area 406 of the Game page 400 may be used to
provide various news items related to the game. As the game is
selected by the users 126, 136, the News area 406 may automatically
offer information related to similar but less known games that the
users 126, 136 might be interested in, or related to some regional
variations of the game that has been selected as normally played in
a geography distant from, or unrelated to, the geography of the
users 126, 136. The above information may be provided in the form
of links.
[0060] In further example embodiments, the News area 406 of the
Game page 400 may be used by a calendar of the platform-independent
international gaming framework to notify the users 126, 136 about
scheduled games and/or newly created ventures the users 126, 136
may be interested in based on the user-related information. The
users 126, 136 may be able to receive notifications about one or
more games that the users 126, 136 may be interested for a single
gaming venue or for a plurality of the gaming venues.
[0061] A Settings button 408 may be used to access user settings
and modify the user settings.
[0062] A Help button 410 may be clicked to display information
associated with the functionality of the system or rules of the
game being played. In some example embodiments, the information
available as online help by clicking the Help button 410 may be
translated into the language of the users 126, 136, based on
settings of the gaming venue or game.
[0063] FIG. 5 discloses a tab 500 of the Game page 400, in
accordance with one embodiment. A Table List area 510 of the page
may display the names of the tables, a type of the game, and a
level of the players 412, which, in some example embodiments, may
be calculated based on a number of hands that have been won by the
players 412 or based on an amount of virtual currency earned by the
players 412. The information that may be displayed to the users
126, 136 may also include a buy-in for each of the tables, a status
of the game, for example, "running" or "registering," and a number
of the players 412 taking part in the game (both possible number
and actual number of the players may be shown). A Play now
capability 512 may be used to join the table with a vacant seat. A
specific table may be joined by the users 126, 136 by clicking a
Join Table button 514. In some example embodiments, having entered
a venue, the users 126, 136 may automatically be offered to take
part in the one or more games based on the user- and/or user
location-related information.
[0064] The tab 500 may include a Lobby Chat area 516 that may be
used for instant messaging within the venue, and may include a
simultaneous or on-demand translation.
[0065] An Advertisements area 518 at the bottom of the Game page
400 may be used for displaying promotional content. The promotional
content may be displayed selectively depending on the geographical
location of the users 126, 136, various demographics, personal
information, the client device default language, and the default
language of the users 126, 136 associated with the internal social
network of the gaming framework or some other social network. In
some example embodiments, a language of the promotional content may
vary based on the said information as well.
[0066] FIG. 6 is a Table List view 600 of the Lobby Overview page
600 and a Table List area 624 that may display information on the
tables, game types, players, stakes, and maximum and minimum
buy-ins. The Play now capability 512 may be used to join the table
with a vacant seat. A specific table may be joined by the users
126, 136 by clicking a Join Table button 514. The users 126, 136
may display a list of other gaming venues by clicking a Visit
another casino button 618. The users 126, 136 may be able to select
from several virtual versions of popular gaming venues. The look
and feel of the gaming framework, including the look and feel of
the virtual goods, may vary accordingly. Furthermore, the users
126, 136 may also be invited to select from multiple local
variations of the game that has been selected by the users 126,
136.
[0067] In some example embodiments, various gaming venues that the
users 126, 136 are able to select may be styled after well-known
gaming tournaments. For example, the users 126, 136 logging in from
a location in Latin America may be invited to take part in a
virtual version of the Latin American Poker Tour (LAPT), in which
event the look and feel of the gaming framework, including the
virtual goods involved, may be adjusted to emulate the environment
and atmosphere of the tournament held in Brazil, Chile, Peru,
Uruguay, or Colombia.
[0068] The Lobby Overview page 600 displays a main menu 602 that
may provide such capabilities as Invite Friends 606 for inviting
friends to a game of cards, Get Virtual Currency 610 for buying
virtual currency, Gift Shop 608 for purchasing gifts, Get virtual
currency 614 for receiving virtual currency, and Send Mystery
Virtual Currency 616. Clicking a User Profile button 604 on the
main menu 602 may display the profile of the users 126, 136 in the
system.
[0069] FIG. 7 illustrates a procedure 700 for accessing and working
with a User Settings dialog box 710, in accordance with one example
embodiment, which may allow defining such user settings as a user
nickname, language, and country to be displayed to the other
players. The User Settings dialog box 710 may be displayed by
clicking a User Settings button 712. The User Settings dialog box
710 contains several capabilities/buttons. A Change Language button
704 may be clicked to change language. Modified user settings may
be either saved by clicking a Save button 708, or cancelled by
clicking a Cancel button 706. Both actions may take the users 126,
136 back to either the Game page 400 or to the Lobby Overview page
600, depending on from which of the two pages the User Settings
dialog box 710 was accessed.
[0070] FIG. 8 illustrates a procedure 800 for accessing and working
with the User Profile Overview page 802, in accordance with one
example embodiment, which may be available by clicking the User
profile button 604 on the main menu 602. The User Profile Overview
page 802 may display a date on which the users 126, 136 started
playing in the gaming framework or at a current venue, the number
of hands that have been played by the users 126, 136, a number of
hands that have been won by the users 126, 136, a number of sit
& goes won by the users 126, 136, and highest chip level and
highest pot won by the users 126, 136. In the same or other example
embodiments, the User Profile Overview page 802 may be used by the
users 126, 136 to publish various personal information and/or
information associated with the gaming experience of the users 126,
136 associated with the gaming framework. The users 126, 136 may be
able to indicate that the users 126, 136 want to find like-minded
users 126, 136 looking to play the specific game variation.
[0071] The User Profile Overview page 802 may also have Items tab
804, Achievements tab 806, and Game Pals tab 808, as well as a My
Settings button 810 and a Close button 812. Selecting the Items tab
804 may display a User Items List page 902 of the User Profile
Overview page 802. Selecting the Achievements tab 806 may display a
User Achievements List page 1002. The Game Pals tab 808 may be used
to display a User Game Pals List page 1102. To display the User
Settings dialog box 710, the users 126, 136 may click the My
Settings button 810. The Close button 812 may be clicked to return
to the Game page 400 or Lobby Overview page 600, depending on from
which of the two pages the User Profile Overview page 802 was
accessed.
[0072] FIG. 9 illustrates a procedure 900 for accessing and working
with the User Items List page 902 of the User Profile Overview page
802, in accordance with one example embodiment, which may display
items 910 already purchased by the users 126, 136. By clicking Buy
More Items 904 from the User Items List page 902, the users 126,
136 may access the Gift Shop dialog box 608. The users 126, 136 may
also be able to access the User Settings dialog box 710 by clicking
My Settings 810 button. The users 126, 136 may return to the Game
page 400 or Lobby Overview page 600, depending on from which of the
pages the User Profile Overview page 802 was accessed, by clicking
Close 812.
[0073] FIG. 10 illustrates a procedure 1000 for accessing and
working with the User Achievements List page 1002 of the User
Profile Overview page 802, in accordance with one example
embodiment, which may display achievements 1010 of users 126, 136.
By clicking the My Settings 810 button, the users 126, 136 may
access the User Settings dialog box 710. To return to the Game page
400 or Lobby Overview 600 page, depending on from which of the
pages the User Profile Overview page 802 was accessed, the users
126, 136 may need to click Close 812.
[0074] FIG. 11 illustrates a procedure 1100 of accessing and
working with the Game Pals List page 1102 of the of the User
Profile Overview page 802, in accordance with one example
embodiment, which may display the icons of profiles of the game
pals 1110 of the user, and also indicate the name of the game pals
1110 and amount of money that each of the game pals 1110 has. By
clicking the icon of the profile of the game pal 1110, the users
126, 136 may display the Profile of Game Pal page 1109, which
provides detailed information on the game pal 1110. By clicking the
My Settings 810 button, the users 126, 136 may access the User
Settings dialog box 710. To return to the Game page 400 or Lobby
Overview page 600, depending on from which of the pages the User
Profile Overview page 802 was accessed, the users 126, 136 may need
to click Close 812.
[0075] FIG. 12 illustrates a procedure 1200 of accessing and
working with the Invite Friends dialog box 1202, in accordance with
one example embodiment, which may allow adding the one or more
friends of the users 126, 136 to a specific game. The Invite
Friends dialog box 1202 may be available by clicking the Invite
Friends button 606 on the Game page 400 or Lobby Overview page
600.
[0076] The users 126, 136 may select the one or more friends 1204
from a list of the friends of the users 126, 136 shown in the main
area of the page by selecting one or more check boxes next to the
one or more names of the friends. Next, the users 126, 136 may
click Invite Selected 1206. To complete the procedure and return to
the Game page 400 or Lobby Overview 600 page, depending on from
which of the pages the Invite Friends dialog box 1202 was accessed,
the users 126, 136 may need to click Done 1208.
[0077] FIG. 13 illustrates a procedure 1300 of accessing and
working with the Gift Shop dialog box 608, in accordance with one
example embodiment, which may be available by clicking Gift Shop
608 on the Game page 400 or Lobby Overview page 600. The users 126,
136 may select the one or more items 1304 in the main area of the
Gift Shop dialog box 608, and then click Buy Selected 1306 to
purchase the one or more selected items 1304. To complete the
procedure and return to the Game 400 page or Lobby Overview 600
page, depending on from which of the pages the Invite Friends
dialog box 1202 was accessed, the users 126, 136 may need to click
Done 1308. FIG. 14 is a process flow diagram providing a general
overview 1400 of interaction between the social network 1402
(incidentally, Facebook) and the different components of the
platform-independent international gaming framework, in accordance
with one example embodiment. A social network user 126, 136 who
signs up with the gaming framework may need to obtain permission
1404 to join the system. When the permission 1404 is granted, the
above social network user 126, 136 may be taken to the Lobby
Overview page 600.
[0078] The social network user 126, 136 who is already registered
with the gaming framework may be taken to the Lobby Overview page
600 at once.
[0079] In some example embodiments, a social network user 126, 136
who is registered with the gaming network may be entitled to a
daily bonus 1406.
[0080] From the Lobby Overview page 600, the users 126, 136 may
select a table, or proceed to the Game page 400 to start a new game
or to participate in a tutorial. On the Game page 400, a Dealer
Chat area 416, a My Gifts and Drinks 1420 button, and a Players
Chat area 1422 may be available. In some example embodiments, the
Dealer Chat area 416 and the Players Chat 1422 may incorporate
translation of instant messaging (the communications between the
users 126, 136) in real time, while in other embodiements, the
users 126, 136 may have to highlight the text that needs to be
translated and click a button. Clicking the My Gifts and Drinks
button 1420 may display the Gift Shop 1302.
[0081] From both Game page 400 and Lobby Overview page 600, the
users 126, 136 may access information associated with other players
(Players' Career Details 1416), which may be displayed in a Dialog
box 1430.
[0082] The Setup Bar 1414 displayed on both Lobby Overview page 600
and Game page 400 may provide functionality for getting virtual
currency may be displayed in a Dialog box 1424), receiving
notifications about bonuses (may be displayed in a Timed dialog box
1426), calculating achievements (may be displayed in the User
Achievements List page 1002, or a Timed dialog box 1428 for a
certain period of time), viewing notifications about the bonuses
(may be displayed in a Timed dialog box 1428), managing the user
profile (may be displayed on the User Profile Overview page 802),
managing the settings for a selected game (may be displayed in the
User Settings dialog box 710), choosing a language (displayed in a
dialog box in the User Settings dialog box 710), inviting the one
or more friends to the specific game of cards (may be displayed in
the Invite friends dialog box 1202). Both the Lobby Overview page
600 and Game page 400 display a Cross Network Bar 1412.
[0083] FIG. 15 is a block diagram, providing an overview of
functionality 1500 provided by the Lobby Overview page 600 and Game
page 400 of the application, in accordance with one example
embodiment. The Lobby Overview page 600 may comprise the Cross
Network bar 1412, the Setup Bar 1414, a User Game Career area 1516,
the main menu 602, a List of Tables 1506 (the name of the area may
vary in the present and other example embodiments depending on the
tab of the Game page 400 that is currently selected).
[0084] The Game page 400 may comprise the Cross Network bar 1412,
the Setup Bar 1414, a User Game Career area 1516, the List of
Tables 1506 (the name of the area may vary in the present and other
example embodiments depending on the tab of the Game page 400 that
is currently selected), the Table with players area 1508, the Game
Menu area 1510. The latter may provide a list of the game pals 1110
of the users 126, 136 taking part in the game and the name of a
leader and runner-up in the game.
[0085] When a table is selected in the List of Tables area 1506 of
the Lobby Overview page 600, the Game page 400 may be displayed
with the Table with players area 1508 included. When a user 126,
136 leaves the table on the Game page 400, he may be taken back to
the Lobby Overview page 600.
[0086] FIG. 16 discloses an overview of interactions 1600 between
the Lobby Overview page 600 and other parts of the functionality of
the gaming framework, in accordance with one embodiment. It may be
possible to select the card game from a Cross Network bar 1412 on
the Lobby Overview page 600. The Setup bar 1414 on the Lobby
Overview page 600 may be used to enter information based on which
user achievements may be calculated and displayed in a Timed Dialog
Box with Congratulations 1602.
[0087] The main menu 602 on the Lobby Overview page 600 may be used
to display a plurality of dialog boxes 1604, each of which may be
used for a specific purpose, including inviting friends, earning
virtual currency, and redefining the user settings. It may also be
possible to access the User profile page. The users 126, 136 may be
able to take part in a tutorial by accessing this functionality
from the main menu 602. In the latter case, the Game page 400 may
be displayed.
[0088] From the List of Tables area 1506 on the Lobby Overview page
600, it may be possible to access functionality for taking part in
a new game or creating a new game. Both actions may display the
said functionality on the Game page 400.
[0089] The Leaderboard area 702 on the Lobby Overview page 600 may
be used to display a dialog box that allows inviting friends of the
users 126, 136 to a specific game of cards. This may be done by
displaying the Invite Friends dialog box 1202.
[0090] FIG. 17 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in
the example form of a computer system 1700, within which a set of
instructions for causing the machine to perform any one or more of
the methodologies discussed herein may be executed. In various
example embodiments, the machine operates as a stand-alone device
or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a
networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a
server or a client machine in a server-client network environment,
or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network
environment. The machine may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet
PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a
cellular telephone, a portable music player (e.g., a portable hard
drive audio device such as an MP3 player), a web appliance, a
network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of
executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that
specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a
single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be
taken to include any collection of machines that individually or
jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform
any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.
[0091] The example computer system 1700 includes one or more
processors 1702 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics
processing unit (GPU) or both), a main memory 1708, and a static
memory 1714, which communicate with each other via a bus 1728. The
computer system 1700 may further include a video display unit 1706.
The video display unit 1706 may include a liquid crystal display
(LCD) or any bistable display technology. The computer system 1700
also includes an alpha-numeric input device 1712 (e.g., a
keyboard), a cursor control device 1716 (e.g., a mouse), a drive
unit 1720, a signal generation device 1726 (e.g., a speaker), and a
network interface device 1718.
[0092] The drive unit 1720 includes a machine-readable medium 1722
on which is stored one or more sets of instructions and data
structures (e.g., instructions 1710) embodying or utilized by any
one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The
instructions 1710 may also reside, completely or at least
partially, within the main memory 1704 and/or within the processors
1702 during execution thereof by the computer system 1700. The main
memory 1708 and the processors 1702 also constitute
machine-readable media.
[0093] The instructions 1710 may further be transmitted or received
over a network 1724 via the network interface device 1718 utilizing
any one of a number of well-known transfer protocols (e.g., Hyper
Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP)).
[0094] While the machine-readable medium 1722 is shown in an
example embodiment to be a single medium, the term
"machine-readable medium" should be taken to include a single
medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed
database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one
or more sets of instructions. The term "machine-readable medium"
shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of
storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution
by the machine and that causes the machine to perform any one or
more of the methodologies of the present application, or that is
capable of storing, encoding, or carrying data structures utilized
by or associated with such a set of instructions. The term
"machine-readable medium" shall accordingly be taken to include,
but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic
media. Such media may also include, without limitation, hard disks,
floppy disks, flash memory cards, digital video disks, random
access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and the like.
[0095] The example embodiments described herein may be implemented
in an operating environment comprising software installed on a
machine, in hardware, or in a combination of software and hardware.
Thus, a platform-independent international gaming framework and a
cross-language communication tool have been described. Although
embodiments have been described with reference to specific example
embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and
changes may be made to these example embodiments without departing
from the broader spirit and scope of the present application.
Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in
an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
* * * * *